Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.

On 4 October 2018 the NCPE completed its assessment for Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for the treatment of adult patients with early primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). It did not recommend that Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) be reimbursed for this indication.

The HSE is the statutory decision-making body for medicine reimbursement. It will make the final decision on whether Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) will be reimbursed, taking into consideration the statutory criteria contained in the 2013 Act.

I am advised by the HSE that there has been considerable engagement with the manufacturer over the past number of months and that commercial discussions are ongoing.